STEVEN Davis capped a remarkable season when he led out Northern Ireland to become their youngest ever international captain.

STEVEN Davis capped a remarkable season when he led out Northern Ireland to become their youngest ever international captain.

Villa's Player of the Year was handed the armband for the 1-0 defeat against Uruguay in New York. The 21-year-old said: "It was an absolute honour to lead out my country at the Giants Stadium. I was totally shocked when Lawrie Sanchez told me but of course delighted.

"I wasn't expecting it at all and it really was a lovely surprise. My folks back in Cullybackey will be as proud as I am. It's been a good day for me and I think we can take a number of positives from the performance.

"Personally, I thought I had a stinker but Sammy Clingan alongside me played very well. Every player played their part in a good Northern Ireland performance. It's just disappointing we weren't able to get a draw."

Coach Sanchez believes Davis fully deserved the captain's arm-band. He said: "I could have easily have chosen one of the three senior players to captain the side. I know Stephen Craigan, Colin Murdock and James Quinn would have done an excellent job.

"But we've brought a young squad over and I thought it was appropriate Steve was given the captaincy. He leads by example on the pitch anyway so not to change a thing. Steve has had a lot of highlights during his short career and this is another one."